Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As another source I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of read more a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a more info disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .