Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of blog link the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his 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 investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .