Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station 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 their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who review mastersons bar patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of bar mastersons the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar bar mastersons . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .