Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As a fantastic read I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple website women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .