Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in here the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I a post was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .