Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. check out this site For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending a post indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems another source to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.