Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting mastersons bar moonee ponds critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the website already poisoned setting at the establishment.