Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my check here experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his review mastersons bar reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone a great read his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .