Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was a great read alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a post a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .