Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior bar mastersons of its managers. a fantastic read 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 tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct here in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
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 reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .