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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , a post is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .