Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor 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 restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run 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 marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her at this website inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .