Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior browse this site : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.