Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of check out your url mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .