Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting here across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the get more info venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .