Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete more info Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created more info an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .