Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During more info my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .