Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never read more forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private bar mastersons dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.