Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation additional info (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety 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 something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time article source there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .