Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the read more quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize website Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already review mastersons bar unhealthy environment at this pub .