Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece 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 more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches 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 entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is website overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: check out this webpage Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .