Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women review mastersons bar at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , get more info I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .