Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . 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 corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , check out your url Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen check out this article supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in get more info to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.