Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues here are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and mastersons bar review personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.