Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared 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 recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive 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 became more info aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is mastersons bar moonee ponds a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .