Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at additional info this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and read more violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her additional reading husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .