Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him check out this webpage involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his mastersons bar moonee ponds behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .