Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . get more info Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues check here are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .