Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at click here 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 saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .