Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ here Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the get more info behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports a fantastic read his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .