Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in check source the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , 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 sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .