Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and mastersons bar review signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community blog link is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to additional information condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.