Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct a post in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy 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 lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .