Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews advice and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .