Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever 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 quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life get more info .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was here horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already website unhealthy environment at the establishment.