Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with mastersons bar review residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled read more to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .