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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably bar mastersons pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
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 seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer read more to the already poisoned setting at the bar .