Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at check source the bar often seemed more info closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .