Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests get more info have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .