Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his browse site interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was article appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. check out this article Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .