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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent advice problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who a great read frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .