Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
website The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .