Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern mastersons bar moonee ponds of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .