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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The serving zone , 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 shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating website space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar here often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone mastersons bar his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .