Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at check out your url the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .