Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial a fantastic read oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar website seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .