Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of bar mastersons mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional website Behavior: Reports 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for mastersons bar review women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. 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 dangerous space at the bar .