Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the advice bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing mastersons bar moonee ponds , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the check already dangerous space at the bar .