Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing bar mastersons insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for click here women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .