Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard article source of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and browse inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a additional reading predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem 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 appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .