Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, another post as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .