Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state check out this site 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 run 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 a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s additional info actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the here already unhealthy environment at the establishment.