Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent read more material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, read more Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled a post that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
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. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .