Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality check out this information of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional 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 saw how uncomfortable several a great read women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.