Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the here bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing read more , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the review mastersons bar bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.