Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I website could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded 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 female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the read more already dangerous space at this pub .