Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches 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 their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed read more by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s browse Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .