Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness a fantastic read (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at check here Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently a great read seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .