Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience check at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating check predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . breaking news Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.