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 appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her website husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .