Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered 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 apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of mastersons bar moonee ponds cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role 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 saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was bar mastersons alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .