Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly check here. made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she get more info looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .