Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I read more could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. read more Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .