Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful more info as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in a fantastic read the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager mastersons bar 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 disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.