Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager another source 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. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.