Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter browse this site and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this additional resources place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .