Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many click here customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.