Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager 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 became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints 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 unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, another post she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .