Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack browse this site thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue check it out was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by mastersons bar moonee ponds her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .