Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , 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 toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at check source 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 article source saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to article source find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.