Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking a fantastic read with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that click here of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she check out this article looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.