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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar check out this site often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb 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 .