Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his check out this article reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .