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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of browse misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content advice . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, article she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .