Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a check here co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .