Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , mastersons bar moonee ponds these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior website of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .