Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
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 uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of check out here rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , check the source I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned here setting at this pub .