Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. click here Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .