Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. 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 financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has mastersons bar created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .