Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in check the source the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

additional resources Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .