Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the blog bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.