Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained 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 conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a check out this website predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .