Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who check here. frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee check here Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .