Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against here him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described bar mastersons as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.