Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely here unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of here its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the review mastersons bar already toxic atmosphere at the bar .