Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior 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 private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : review mastersons bar Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate 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 establishment.