Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever 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 talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a read more disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .