Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the another article serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.