Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . 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 professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless read more ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .