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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces check here of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk another article manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the browse damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .