Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks review mastersons bar , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure here than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . 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 troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.