Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

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

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior blog of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial mastersons bar sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.