Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence another article 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 the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .