Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ at this website reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by mastersons bar a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .