Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was blog link the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe another post environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .