Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that bar mastersons serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed mastersons bar around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and bar mastersons violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.