Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them more info digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .