Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever 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 conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack read more thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the browse site state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .