Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, read more as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.