Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation here in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my review mastersons bar time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of additional information the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .