Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of website vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly mastersons bar moonee ponds made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .