Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about more info the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in bar mastersons the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .