Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart 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 present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . 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 isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a bar mastersons business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. 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 corporate world website is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .