Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase here —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a mastersons bar co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.