Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as blog 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 high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a blog amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment check out this website at the bar .