Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the here integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
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 owners . 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 tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .