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 found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds mastersons bar review a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.