Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface 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 sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 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 business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions review mastersons bar has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .