Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world 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 more info I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .