Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional here role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.