Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, click here I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already review mastersons bar unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .