Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface 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 offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as get more info disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage a great read done by her husband’s actions, she seems to mastersons bar endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .