Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at bar mastersons this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, more info his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .