Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that website of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .