Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this review mastersons bar so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing check here operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .