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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise website serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this check here. place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .