Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they browse site serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue another post was, additional resources what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend 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 managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb 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 the bar .