Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After advice reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .