Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about mastersons bar moonee ponds the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .