Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other mastersons bar review reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to bar mastersons patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.