Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces check out this article of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the check over here behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of check over here distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize 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-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .