Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . 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 Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that a great read of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by mastersons bar moonee ponds her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .