Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed website several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior a fantastic read , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action 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 unhealthy environment at this pub .