Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . 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 professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is here a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .