Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , 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 restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather check it out than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .