Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom 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 isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . 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 business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or a fantastic read Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .