Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . 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 toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I additional information was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .