Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to read more patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, here who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate here world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.