Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the a fantastic read serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .