Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified website to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage get more info done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .