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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The counter , 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 more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . 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 clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find advice accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.