Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) here at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him a great read involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds get more info a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.