Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the a post bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.