Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages browse , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place 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 professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.