Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that mastersons bar the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .