Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are read more completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern another source of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the check out this article damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .