Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter 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 threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in click here the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with additional reading multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . 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 troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .