Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar 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 risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of more info a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.