Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector additional reading is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him check involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the check out this tutorial bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .