Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , mastersons bar his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .