Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. 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 : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate additional info the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his here behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .