Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against website him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
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 looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .