Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During click here my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently read more seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .