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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues check here are absolutely get more info intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality 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 Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions click here at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .