Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. a fantastic read Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His additional resources presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .