Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, read more his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.