Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to mastersons bar review people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who mastersons bar review patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .