Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state a great read of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action website to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .