Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and another article conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations check it out . Instead of stepping bar mastersons in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .