Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports check it out his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.