Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves read more drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable here and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .