Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget bar mastersons for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . here Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to bar mastersons endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .