Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly mastersons bar review made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere click here is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .