Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues browse site are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this mastersons bar establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is here a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .