Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

website Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .