Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , here I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.