Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely a great read unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as check the source uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a mastersons bar moonee ponds sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .