Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece 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 more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As article I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action 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 Masterson’s .