Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, browse site 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 women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene additional information ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager 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 check over here a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .