Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple more info accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .