Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The serving zone , 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 restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage breaking news done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .