Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals here , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of get more info Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds get more info a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.