Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly check here made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile get more info job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the check here. professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .