Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. mastersons bar Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .