Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything a great read they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems bar mastersons to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already mastersons bar review dangerous space at the bar .