Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and here chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile a great read job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women check here who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner 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. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .