Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these browse site issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state another source 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.