Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at additional info the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor additional reading and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .