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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
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 so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I a fantastic read was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably a fantastic read pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .