Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism 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 talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place 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 corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub mastersons bar .