Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct check over here in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.