Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who check frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, 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 inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .