Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , 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. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub bar mastersons is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, 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 who visit Masterson’s. His presence at bar mastersons the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .