Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished 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 investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a check the source alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.