Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
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 this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women a great read seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of additional reading sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of bar mastersons the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .