Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems website that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .