Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. check here Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by browse website her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .