Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as browse a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.