Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center 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 present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my additional information experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned 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 of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate mastersons bar moonee ponds , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .