Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with click here multiple get more info women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already website dangerous space at the establishment.