Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that check out this article the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As a post I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .