Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state mastersons bar review of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is website a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .