Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, check out this info with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.