Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters additional info to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , another source Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks check out this webpage like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .