Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is blog a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports read more against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than mastersons bar moonee ponds addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.