Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the review mastersons bar co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .