Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and bar mastersons chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of mastersons bar misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned read more to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .