Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many bar mastersons visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety 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 Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —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 reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .