Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and article source frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .