Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) a great read at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is mastersons bar moonee ponds operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s here actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .