Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained 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 state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is owned here by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than mastersons bar review a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar more info . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .