Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory 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 one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable here and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by click here a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently click here seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.