Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

The mastersons bar moonee ponds Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.