Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and a post proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern mastersons bar of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.