Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my additional resources time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple mastersons bar women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .