Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems mastersons bar that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made read more 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 professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior read more has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .