Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
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 so-called blog establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen another post overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .