Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than website a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .