Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , website these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct another source in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner check here. .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .