Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, mastersons bar as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at herehere this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .