Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence review mastersons bar at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless read more ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .