Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages website , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, here what truly made my experience at this place 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 senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in another article his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .