Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level here of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive 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 noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a more info amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping review mastersons bar in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .