Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point 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 worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend mastersons bar Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .