Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked 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 conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and read more traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my more info time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic review mastersons bar atmosphere at the establishment.