Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and mastersons bar raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .