Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people website around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners a great read . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. bar mastersons Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .