Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, check out the post right here as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , additional reading his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports blog link his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .