Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at read more the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .