Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable more info several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. website His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .