Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night 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 persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : check out here Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .