Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of browse website Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the article worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like browse that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .