Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is check marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.