Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s a fantastic read misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her check here apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .