Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful read more , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .