Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . more info Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe more info environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .