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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. 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 : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the a post standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .