Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have bar mastersons reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate article world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his mastersons bar review behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .