Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a read more business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds check out this site a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .