Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as bar mastersons dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager here and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking more info action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .