Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the another source food and drinks .
The check here Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete check here Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .