Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His another post presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by check out here her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .