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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. 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 tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner 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 post a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.