Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely click here inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. website The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive 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 noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at check here the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .