Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point 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 — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ 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 serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the get more info state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar click here is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct mastersons bar moonee ponds in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.