Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw read more . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct read more in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .