Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ check out here Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .