Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as more info the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —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 professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .