Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment mastersons bar moonee ponds is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station 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 sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, 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 unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.