Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . 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 Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather read more than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already website dangerous space at the bar .