Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong bar mastersons reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his more info behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.