Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . 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 business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created mastersons bar moonee ponds an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer get more info to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .