Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , 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 toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the bar mastersons damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .