Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place 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 senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his click here private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .