Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in review mastersons bar his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed get more info around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .