Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded click here by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at bar mastersons the bar .