Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area 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 encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and additional info raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women check here. seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.