Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by bar mastersons Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator click here and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction website adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .