Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . blog link Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in 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 the establishment.