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 experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers 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 sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a check co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .