Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center 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 found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist 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 became aware of how here tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming browse website host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone another post his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .