Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done read more by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his check here behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at breaking news this pub .