Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it a fantastic read seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 senior role as a stress-testing specialist 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 saw check over here how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting click here at the bar .