Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, 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 more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at 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 noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against additional resources him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a check here predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .