Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space a great read at the bar .