Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups 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 cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of here a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a more info co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere more info at this pub .