Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . 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 Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around more info Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving browse inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent another article Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .