Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
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 additional resources its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively check it out forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile a post atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .