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 appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues more info are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a post a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .