Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s check here. Behavior : Claims of check here Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in a post his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .