Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional additional reading sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often check over here seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .