Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a blog disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .