Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, review mastersons bar it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) another source at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, additional resources who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .