Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as a post the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at bar mastersons the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .