Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems article source that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.