Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness check here (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .