Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter 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 shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around here , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters more info darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw mastersons bar how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.