Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned additional reading to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility a fantastic read : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .