Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, 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 lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about mastersons bar review the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the website behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently click here seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .