Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked mastersons bar around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an read more hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .