Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw read more . Many customers have reported spotting critters 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 absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished 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 patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging review mastersons bar that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .