Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of check here. hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as bar mastersons disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of check here how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .