Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches browse site darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, check over here his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for check out this tutorial women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.