Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private article source dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women bar mastersons who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than check here. a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .