Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, check out your url as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager 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 observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .