Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle 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 level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying mastersons bar as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .