Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about another source the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an additional info unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.