Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as browse this site a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .