Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these mastersons bar review issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in 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 toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .