Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station a great read and signs of review mastersons bar rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . 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 professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .