Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom 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 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 this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds website a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .