Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred a fantastic reada fantastic read by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of bar mastersons a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .