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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters website darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, bar mastersons I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .