Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of a great read its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly website aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .