Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business read more that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .