Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station read more and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is read more operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern website of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .