Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . 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 overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent mastersons bar review Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business a post . 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 chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.