Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a more info business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, mastersons bar moonee ponds who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her click here husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .