Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious browse site concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.