Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues advice are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the check over here venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created additional information an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .