Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point 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 a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered 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 state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my blog experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .