Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, additional information what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .