Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point 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 truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified click here to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile another source atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .