Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the get more info wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as read more a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems additional resources to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .