Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub 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 financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find click here numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a check out this info unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .