Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking mastersons bar with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters mastersons bar moonee ponds darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar click here often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .