Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as browse this site a stress-testing executive 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 noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed additional reading around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .