Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than read more a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.