Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , advice Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .