Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is check out this site a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .