Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it here seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, get more info what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory bar mastersons presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.