Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that a fantastic read the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of mastersons bar moonee ponds a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen a post supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .