Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state read more of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . blog link The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings article source and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .