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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem 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 seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming review mastersons bar layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .