Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue advice was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.