What Lies Behind the Surface at The Shadowy Masterson’s Spot ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my a post experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt website more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .