Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience 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 disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in more info his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .