Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard here of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , 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 looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .