Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise mastersons bar moonee ponds serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing here him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at a great read the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .