Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . mastersons bar moonee ponds Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.