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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and additional reading house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist 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 became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .