Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that click here of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .