Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked 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 state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a breaking news persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I check out this website was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .