Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role blog as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .