Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or mastersons bar moonee ponds Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .