Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : click here Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.