Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the breaking news safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a a fantastic read disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling a post layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .