Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core 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 experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked 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 quality of upkeep (or lack review mastersons bar thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they check out this article serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager 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 uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .