Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find check here. allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .