Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online 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 drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a mastersons bar corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector 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 at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.