Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported check out here seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .