Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a website high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual here harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit click here or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .