Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless a fantastic read ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .