Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is read more marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous a fantastic read space at more info this pub .