Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters article darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager 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 became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.