Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting bar mastersons across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and click here raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already a fantastic read dangerous space at the bar .