Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : get more info Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by review mastersons bar a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than check here addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .