Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across breaking news the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor 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. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.