Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ here reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep mastersons bar (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As website I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .