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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

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 this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as a fantastic read overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created a great read an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s here actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .