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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom 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 one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve article .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner 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. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the blog already unhealthy environment at the bar .