Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively check out your url forward and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling breaking news layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .