Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed 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 tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in blog his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .