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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity 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 Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the another article establishment.