Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart 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 encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious click here concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated 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 overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports check the source against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.