Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it check here seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something read more I’ll never forget for negative 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. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.