Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, more info as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role 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 became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing more info operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, mastersons bar she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .