Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that a fantastic read the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the a great read basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved read more or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .