Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
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 quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who additional info also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his check it out behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.