Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, another source what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. check the source As I looked into it more , I was stunned read more to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .