What Lies Behind the Veneer at The Frequently Visited Masterson’s Hangout ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by check out here her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .