Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, mastersons bar I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often here resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by click here her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .