Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 operators . 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 business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she here appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .