Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or check here lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely a fantastic read unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.