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 walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar 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 risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern bar mastersons of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time mastersons bar there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the mastersons bar bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.