Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house browse area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely blog intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.