Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as a great read horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time website there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive review mastersons bar and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .