Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mastersons bar mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .