Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , 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 uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience more info at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .