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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at a fantastic read this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life additional information .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .