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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the check out this site experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many additional reading patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often check the source appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .