Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) check here at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these website issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional 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 uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of get more info taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .