Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar a great read is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This mastersons bar review complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .