Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the additional information serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
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 high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe check out this info environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic bar mastersons atmosphere at Masterson’s .