Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly check out here disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job 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 became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .