Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer check out this info to the already poisoned setting at this pub .