Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct advice
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. check it out His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the additional information already dangerous space at the bar .