Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area 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 experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to check out this information alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .