Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several another article women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .