Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For mastersons bar moonee ponds a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .