Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the mastersons bar venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish a fantastic read I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.