Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 tarnished by at this website 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 asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit article approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.