Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed a post around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a read more amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and a great read frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .