Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his mastersons bar review private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving here predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and a great read frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .