Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in additional info the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .