Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it check out here seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, browse site what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar advice is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .