Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center 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 present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I browse was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .