Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action a post to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to review mastersons bar the already dangerous space at the bar .