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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard website of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at check here the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —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 clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than additional reading a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .