Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) get more info at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. 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 noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His review mastersons bar presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .