Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job 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 and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of review mastersons bar the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .