Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , bar mastersons it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .