Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. check out this site McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. check it out Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .