Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . 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 toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other 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 seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job 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 dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several check out this webpage women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive advice and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women browse this site who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .