Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my another source experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
a great read Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .