Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women check out this tutorial who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .