Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary 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 discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , 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 snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and more info traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub 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 corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or check out here Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, check out this article she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.