Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to website people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct a post in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a here co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.