Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than advice a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.