Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what mastersons bar truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how get more info uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited here explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .