Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For website a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions 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 friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.