Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece 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 worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by article Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a mastersons bar financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female additional information guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.