Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . check over here Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.