Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the click here already toxic atmosphere at check here Masterson’s .