Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my check here. experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she additional information seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .