Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs check out this information darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .