Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my blog experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.