Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . website For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his read more reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory more info presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .