Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and a great read frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.