Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar read more is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than browse addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .