Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct mastersons bar by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .