Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. 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 a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she check here looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .