Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality check out here of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my read more experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .