Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his additional reading business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. another article As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen check here. overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.