Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking check out here to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and check here signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The check out this tutorial Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .