Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts article source and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have check out this site reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs additional reading of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .