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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with check multiple women citing incidents of here sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a additional reading genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .