Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The another article bar is operated by Pete a post Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find more info allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .