Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these website issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, mastersons bar I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .