Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and additional resources raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, website his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .