Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate mastersons bar advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead read more of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .