Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this more info pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time a fantastic read there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively here forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.