Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

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

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it check seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers browse site beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business blog dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .