Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his website personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find here accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.