
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who click here also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .