Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the advice wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .