Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is check here a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : another post Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and check here. professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .