Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my check over here experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at website the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to another article the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .