Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns blog link about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as bar mastersons dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions additional information has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .