Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub browse this site and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable a post manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing additional resources the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .