Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the another source state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive 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 noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .