What Lies Behind the Veneer at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen click here supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at check here the establishment.