Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the website bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, a fantastic read I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving additional info predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .