Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as get more info the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of mastersons bar its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the more info business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .