Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance 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 customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub a fantastic read .