Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , 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 lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening mastersons bar review to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .