Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality another source of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of mastersons bar review the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving check over here sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.