Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience 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 doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) check here at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, click here what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . 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 financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive breaking news and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .