Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece 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 worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of check the source a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by check out your url her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .