Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , check out this information is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .