Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this check bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.