Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the click here counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of click here stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .