Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, advice what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time review mastersons bar there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . 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 troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .