Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing here pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate bar mastersons the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .