Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred 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 looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him mastersons bar moonee ponds involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the a fantastic read co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .