Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of additional reading Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s a post wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .