Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of mastersons bar Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent a post Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.