Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise a fantastic read serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of check here its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .