Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . a great read Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing website , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at bar mastersons the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .