Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over 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 feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional 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 became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : website Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this mastersons bar review pub .