Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, click here who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior read more , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the mastersons bar review bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .