Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the additional resources serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .