Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of website the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the website bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.