Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip 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 walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . website Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee mastersons bar Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .