Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, mastersons bar moonee ponds as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the read more Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at review mastersons bar the bar .