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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw more info . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a website business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in browse website the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .