Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by click here Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The additional info bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, browse with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .