Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct bar mastersons
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made more info my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created website an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.