Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling here as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was read more the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking check out this tutorial action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .