Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his mastersons bar reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. a great read Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .