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 threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have additional information reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s check misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a get more info troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .