Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions breaking news
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was blog stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. a post His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .