Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many check out this webpage patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , another source these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women advice citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .