Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered 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 this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious mastersons bar concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also bar mastersons holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .