Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained 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 this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate browse website the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his blog link behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .