Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence bar mastersons at the bar read more often appeared get more info as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .