Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , 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—overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators additional info . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of browse this site a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to check over here condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.