Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business click here that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.