
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
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 Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice check out this webpage in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she read more looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .