Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of check out here misconduct in his business advice dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .