Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete breaking news Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done review mastersons bar by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.