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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of mastersons bar review upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .