Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of browse this site rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct check out the post right here in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s additional info Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .