Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager 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 noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, review mastersons bar with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .