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 present a friendly façade, what I found 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 sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described another article as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .