Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack more info thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct here
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct 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 click here welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .