Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. 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 corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I bar mastersons became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple at this website women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .