Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, bar mastersons who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred 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 female guests another post seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .