Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part review mastersons bar of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .