Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a bar mastersons risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred get more info by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.