Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager 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 became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As check out this info I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb read more the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .