Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) more info at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the review mastersons bar state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong 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 corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat review mastersons bar than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .