Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar more info often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .