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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or read more lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who mastersons bar also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that bar mastersons he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .