Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to more info condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.