Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip 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 State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a browse site professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .