Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent mastersons bar moonee ponds Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . 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 unhealthy environment at this pub .