Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During mastersons bar review my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .