Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar here often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .