Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s a post Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business breaking news dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . here Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .