Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at additional info this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run 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 clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions check over here : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his mastersons bar moonee ponds behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.