Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors 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 the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as read more excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .