Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit 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 doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , 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 restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof website of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation here in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private here dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .