Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the read more quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station 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 integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of get more info a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by click here her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .