Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as bar mastersons the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also bar mastersons holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as review mastersons bar excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .