Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. 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: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a website long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business read more that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 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 marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions review mastersons bar of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .