Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. check out the post right here His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she browse seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.