Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter 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 feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the website behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept click here his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .