Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the check here bar often appeared as that review mastersons bar of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor check out this webpage .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .