Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made blog my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.