Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s blog link is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is review mastersons bar run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
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 check over here in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.