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 present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished 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 dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence advice at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing check over here or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .