Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving click here sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like check out this info she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.