Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known website flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .