Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his additional information behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .