Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business mastersons bar moonee ponds life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .