Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . get more info For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, 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 predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .