Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that check here of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved article source or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .