Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . browse For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . 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 alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .