Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as review mastersons bar a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women review mastersons bar reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of a fantastic read stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .