Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has blog created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and more info frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .