Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . browse Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct at this website in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and mastersons bar review disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. 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 toxic atmosphere at the establishment.