Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy check out this site and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of browse website the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer browse to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.