Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , 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. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his mastersons bar behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .