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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in website the professional sphere is clouded 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 female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .