Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this additional resources place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .