Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
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 owners . The bar website is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and check out this information personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His additional reading presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.