Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , 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 bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the additional reading quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the article source state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.