Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The serving zone , 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 truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The check out this tutorial bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive 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 tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve 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 toxic atmosphere at the bar .