Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack get more info thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material check out the post right here . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .