Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar mastersons bar review area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of here a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping review mastersons bar in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .