Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of here the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with click here multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .