Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After a post reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack another post thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior browse 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 the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.