Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a another post business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist check out this info at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .