Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate check here. the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .