Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining click here rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .