Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his mastersons bar review behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .