Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , check it out these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed 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 personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator 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. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .