Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as a post horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than check here a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .