Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior bar mastersons of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.