Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one check here I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her review mastersons bar husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .