Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported a fantastic read spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred a great read by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several bar mastersons female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .