Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known get more info flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished 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 looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .