Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further check out here , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .