Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary 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 experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in browse site the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .