Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station bar mastersons and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing click here specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling check here layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .