Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar mastersons bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend article source Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.