Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. website His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.