Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or another source lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .