Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has more info created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , a great read is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .