Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior check out the post right here of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .