Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked 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 standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : a fantastic read Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, 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 personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy more info several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, 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 attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .